Semi-gross question on decomposition...

[classicsredone]

We lost 24 chicks due to cold when the post office neglected to call us right away. They put the order on a cold truck where they sat for hours. Anyways, we buried them under some crepe myrtles in the back yard. I'd like to plant some shade plants there, but I don't want to dig up anything gross. Because they died over the span of several days, the graves are kind of scattered, and with the rain we had this year, I don't know exactly where they are.

So here it goes...how fast would little chicks decompose? I know it is gross and kind of morbid.

 

[aggie9296]

Being that they are so small, they should break down fairly quickly. In 2-3 months, you should not see much identifiable. I've been meaning to plant a bluberry bush over where I buried my dog. It's been a year, so should be ok but I'm worried there may be bones. The little chicks should not have big enough bones to notice.

 

[AquaEyes]

Quote:
I'd say to plant annuals, dig small shallow holes, and mulch heavily. The roots will get down to where they need to be without you having to find something "unpleasant."



~Chris

 

[classicsredone]

Thank you. I'm hoping the wet winter helps with decomposition. I'll make sure to add extra mulch to that area, too. I started working on the soil condition last summer, and I've seen a huge increase in the worm population. Another layer of composted manure should help bring in more beneficials to break things down.

 

[AquaEyes]

Quote:
Hey, you want to learn what I did for "free mulch"? It's as if it comes down from the sky between the end of summer and the beginning of winter. But people seem to hate the stuff, so they rake it into big piles, throw it in garbage bags, and leave it to be picked up and carted away.

Before I moved to Buffalo for school, I used to go around and pick up fallen leaves (so conveniently bagged and ready for me), pour them onto the concrete driveway or the slab in the back yard, and run the lawn mower over them repeatedly. Then I'd spill it out on the flower beds. During the summer, any lawn clippings got tossed down there, too. Through the winter, that mix of green and brown was left to sit, and by spring, the crocuses, tulips and daffodils weren't the only things coming up out of the ground. There were earthworms everywhere. A shame that I had to leave it behind (I was a renter).

~Chris

 

[Mattemma]

I agree on the leaves. I collect my eldery neighbors leaves.Made a pile that was ready to plant the next spring.